Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. fruit juice and peel extract mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and their applications as antimicrobial agents and plant growth enhancers

Abstract

Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles (NP) has emerged as a recent trend in green chemistry. However, their potential in the field of agriculture is yet underexplored. In this study, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were synthesized by using the fruit juice and peel extract of Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. as a reducing and capping agent. The nano-primed seeds of Zea mays, Glycine max, and Cicer arietinum showed enhanced germination rate up to 90% as compared to the respective control (30-60%) and also enhanced plant growth. The HRTEM images of fruit-mediated Ag NPs showed well-dispersed particles. The XRD diffraction pattern confirmed the crystalline nature of Ag NPs with fcc lattice points of 101, 111, 200, 220, and 311 with an average crystal size of 19.1275±1.73 nm. On the other hand, the peel-mediated Ag NPs exhibited a size range of 10-20 nm with average crystal size of 19.09±1.71 nm. The FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of ʋC=C-H, ʋCH2, ʋC=O (stretch), ʋC=C (stretch), ʋC-H (bend), ʋC-O (bend) in the Ag NPs synthesized by the fruit and peel extract. The Ag NPs also showed potential antimicrobial effects against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumonia).

Novel Perspectives on Food-Based Natural Antimicrobials: A Review of Recent Findings Published since 2020

“…The synthesis of metal nanoparticles has emerged as a recent trend in green chemistry [ 78 ]. In a particular study, pomelo (Citrus maxima ) fruit juice and peel extract were used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).…”

“…Additionally, nano-primed seeds of Zea mays , Glycine max , and Cicer arientum exhibited enhanced germination rates and augmented plant growth in comparison to the control group. This research underscores the potential of repurposing plant-based food waste without commercial value for nanoparticle synthesis, with subsequent applications in the agricultural sector [ 78 ].…”